Let’s take a look at the following protégés:

Mattie J. Stepanek – despite losing his battle at a very young age to he still wrote beautiful poetry in hopes of bringing simplicity and love back to this world. He lived a short life, however, even though he suffered from Dysautonomic Mitochondrial Myopathy he did not allow his medical diagnosis to get in the way of the message he wanted to spread across the world. He wanted to bring to our attention the importance of peace and global tolerance, which I believe is necessary for all of us to live a fulfilled life.

Khadijah Williams – the girl who broke all boundaries and is now going to attend the most prestigious institution, Harvard University. Who said that there are limits in life? We all can achieve our dreams if we just focus and work hard, despite the adversities we may face. I believe that her story should be inspiration to all of us when are faced with such dilemmas. Williams was first featured in the L.A. Times and has since then pursuing strong efforts in education policy. She aspires to make great changes and I see her making a difference already!

You can find her featured in Vanity Fair.

1. Follow the road less traveled

So you have decided to follow a path that is not conventional when it comes to your peers and family. I find it inspiring when individuals go against the grain of what is acceptable and seek out their purpose in life. It is rare, and believe me you are in a very fortunate position. Not many people know what it is that they really want to pursue in life. If you want to be a doctor, musician, photographer, lawyer, etc., then make it happen because you want this dream to come true. Do not pursue it because someone else is making you do something that is not for you.

2. Do what makes you happy

Let’s face it we are all in some form individuals who are out to please others. If you are not, then that is okay too. Really it is. I have this habit of always watching out for others and putting myself last. In that sense, I genuinely enjoy making others happy and seeing their faces light up. I believe in random acts of kindness, and that we do have good people doing great things. But, there will come a time when you will have to really do what makes you happy. Let’s face it in realistic terms, you will not be able to make everyone happy. If you are, then you are doing something wrong. Your friends and family will understand and if they don’t they will once they see how much change it brings to your life. It will be positive, trust me.

3. Make you #1

This is the one goal that is the hardest to meet, for myself. I know that it may sound selfish, but did you notice that the most accomplished people tend to put themselves first. It is a skill, and I wish I had learned this earlier. I find that you can be there for everyone, and still make time for yourself. Don’t become so consumed with other’s worries and their problems. The truth is you cannot take them away, but you can be there to listen and serve as the shoulder for the person to lean on you. I learned this the hard way, I consumed myself into everyone else and almost lost sight of what I needed to do. We are all inherently raised to help others, but I think that at times we tend to lose ourselves in the process. Make a list of what you want to do for you and slowly make it happen. Set goals and you will see how much happier you will be. Why not invest in yourself? It will be worth it. Trust me.

I know that it is easier said than done, but really try to follow the steps above and you will really feel like you are moving towards your own personal realization. It took me time and I am happy that I took the time to really appreciate the “aha” moments in my life. It has really put things into perspective and I cannot be anymore happier than that!

Do yourself a favor and print out this poem on your favorite stationary and place it somewhere that is visible everyday. When you feel a hint of negativity take a moment and read this. ☺

One is not born a Winner, one becomes.
One is not born a Loser, one can change.

The Winner always has a program.
The Loser always has an excuse.

The Winner sees an answer to every problem.
The Loser sees a problem in every answer.

The Winner is always part of the answer.
The Loser is always part of the problem.

The Winner thinks positively.
The Loser thinks negatively.

The Winner is motivated by harmony.
The Loser is motivated by selfishness.

The Winner says I may not know but I will try.
The Loser says I don’t know, it is not my job.

The Winner says it may be difficult, but is possible.
The Loser says it may be possible, but it is difficult.

The Winner says, lets do it.
The Loser says, that’s not for me.

The Winner is all for sharing.
The Loser is all for grabbing.